On October 17th, the outstanding pianist Alexei Volodin presented to the audience at the Beethoven-Haus Bonn his piano recital as part of the East-West Festival NRW series “Great Masters at the Beethoven-Haus Bonn” into a state of pure enchantment.
The finely curated program of the evening revealed the versatility of award-winning Alexei Volodin’s outstanding talent. The evening commenced with Franz Schubert’s piano pieces D.946 No. 2, where Volodin impressed not only with technical virtuosity but also with a profound emotional intensity that captivated the audience.
The Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78 (“À Thérèse”) by Ludwig van Beethoven followed and enthralled with Volodin’s impressive technical precision and artistic sensitivity. The subtle shaping of melodic lines and nuances in dynamics attested to a masterful interpretation.
Nikolai Medtner’s Sonata-Ballade Op. 27 took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, with Volodin skillfully navigating between lyrical passages and powerful outbursts. The profound musical intelligence of the pianist was evident in every moment of this challenging composition.
After a well-deserved intermission, the evening concluded with Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Here, Alexei Volodin unfolded his full artistic potential, bringing the picturesque scenes to life with virtuosity and expression. The powerful dramatic line that formed the backbone of this grand piece deeply touched every listener.
The audience responded to Alexei Volodin’s outstanding performance with standing ovations, turning the evening into an unforgettable experience. His strong and moving presentation left a lasting impression on the listeners, reaffirming why he is considered one of the outstanding pianists of his generation. The artistic director of the East-West Festival NRW, Rostislav Krimer, expressed gratitude to his colleague and longtime friend for an evening full of musical brilliance and emotional depth.
